Key information
Nerial, the studio behind Reigns and Card Shark, has announced it is shutting down or entering hibernation mode following discussions with parent company Devolver Digital. CEO Tamara Alliot and creative director François Alliot stated they decided with their partners to end studio development after 13 years, with the entire team seeking new opportunities.
The founders shared that they need a change and plan to take a break before returning with a new perspective, with François Alliot returning to being pure indie. The closure affects notable staff members including narrative and writing personnel, art direction, lead and senior programmers, a QA lead, and a senior producer.
The author expressed disappointment with the explanations given for the hibernation and layoffs, questioning why the founders could not let the company continue under different management while taking a sabbatical themselves.
The decision likely reflects Devolver Digital's financial situation. In August, parent company bosses informed shareholders of intentions to cease trading on the London Stock Exchange following significant industry disruption, market volatility, and impairments from underperforming titles.
